What is BS EN 16730 - Concrete sleepers and bearers with under sleeper pads about?
BS EN 16730 is applicable to concrete sleepers or bearers with Under Sleeper Pads (USP) physically bonded to concrete used in ballast track and define the test procedures and their evaluation criteria.
BS EN 16730 provides information in the following areas:
- Test methods, test arrangements and evaluation criteria of Under Sleeper Pads
- Data supplied by the purchaser and by the supplier
- Definition of general process of design approval tests
- Definition of routine tests
BS EN 16730 defines the specific test procedures for design approval tests, routine tests and tests concerning the determination of relevant properties of Under Sleeper Pad with or without concrete sleepers and bearers:
- Fatigue tests
- Tests of capability for stacked stocking of concrete sleepers or bearers fitted with USP
- Pull-out test
- Severe environmental condition test
BS EN 16730 sets out procedures for testing fitness for purpose and provides information on quality monitoring as part of quality assurance procedures.
Note: BS EN 16730 does not, however, contain requirements pertaining to the properties of Under Sleeper Pads. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to define these requirements.
Who is BS EN 16730 - Concrete sleepers and bearers with under sleeper pads for?
BS EN 16730 on concrete sleepers and bearers with under sleeper pads is useful for:
- Manufacturers and designers of concrete sleepers and bearers
- Designer and producers of rail equipment
- Railway management authorities 
- Infrastructure managers 
- Site supervisors 
- Inspection and testing department in railways  
- Train operator companies (TOCs) 
Why should you use BS EN 16730 - Concrete sleepers and bearers with under sleeper pads?
Under sleeper padding for concrete bearers in ballasted track increases the track stability, protects the ballast, and reduces structure borne noise and airborne noise by reducing rail damage to the running surface of the rails.
BS EN 16730 will assist you in understanding how to mix experience and calculation to apply design parameters. Moreover, assuming these design requirements for concrete sleepers and bearers can prevent incidences of cracking and failure.
Complying with the standardized test methods, test arrangements, and evaluation criteria of Under Sleeper Pads recommended by BS EN 16730, you can ensure safety and reliability in the operational efficiency of the overall railway infrastructure, while improving service-life for track systems.
